An overview of microalgae.

• Main Author: Ong, Le-Qi.
• Other Authors: School of Biological Sciences
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/49251
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

There has been much research done on the uses of microalgae. Studies claim that microalgae are extremely useful as it is a renewable source of alternative fuel and other applications such as food supplements and medical applications. However, there is no study done on the feasibility of microalgae usage and if it is truly effective and affordable. In this report we aim to give an extensive study on microalgae by reviewing information from literature sources. Certain achievements have been made; culturing and harvesting methods have been improved, selection of specific microalgae species to be used in culturing systems. However it is found that while microalgae has many useful properties, our current expertise and knowledge is not balanced with the intricate needs of microalgae. There is a need to develop a cost-efficient harvesting and extraction method to improve the economics of microalgae as the yield of microalgae oil is very low per growth and extraction cost. There are also high costs involved in maintaining optimum growth conditions of microalgae. Further development of genetic engineering of microalgae and its bio- and medical applications should be looked into.